Swing into Denton County Museums

This article is a part of the 2022 Fall Travel Guide, a sponsored collection brought to you by our travel advertising partners. You can find more fall travel destinations and events here.

Located in downtown Denton, Texas, the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area through rotating and permanent exhibits. Housed inside the iconic 1896 Courthouse designed by architect W.C. Dodson, the museum’s permanent exhibits include an evolution of firearms, a 1913 farm wagon, and the whole family can play in the vintage grocery store. On the second floor, visitors can take in the historic Commissioners Courtroom and admire the restored features of the pressed tin ceiling and the woodwork. On the courthouse lawn, visitors may be surprised to find the grave of the county’s namesake, John B. Denton.

Farm wagon display inside the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum.

This fall, take a musical journey through Denton’s legendary music scene in the new exhibit, Making a Scene. On view from September 8, 2022, to August 26, 2023, this exhibit features photographs, posters, and other items representing beloved artists, venues, and festivals over the decades that have played a vital role in putting Denton on the map—because when you think of Denton, you think music.

Band performing on Denton’s Fry Street, 1994. Denton Record Chronicle Collection.

From house shows to performance halls, generations of music lovers have cultivated what has become a legendary scene that crosses all genres. The artists, venues, festivals, and recording studios of our community have directly contributed to the evolution of music and the industry on a global scale. Music education programs in the area have attracted and produced talent that continues to reinvest in the local scene. The freedom to experiment and collaborate has created an iconic sound that is both eclectic and refined.

Making a Scene is supported by Denton County and the City of Denton, CityofDenton.com.

The Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum is located at 110 W. Hickory Street in Denton, Texas. Admission is always free.

Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum Hours:

Monday – Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM
Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM

After visiting the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, take a stroll over to the Denton County Historical Park. Just a few blocks from the downtown square, the Historical Park is home to the Bayless-Selby House Museum, the Taylor Log Cabin, and the Denton County African American Museum. Each of these museums provide a look into early periods of Denton County’s history.